Meet The Maker: Holly Elder

Who are you, where are you from and what do you make?

Hi, I’m Holly Elder and I’m a jeweller based in Brighton.

What inspires you?

I love medieval relics, folklore and collecting. My last collection featured replicas of pieces found by metal detectorists which I handcrafted into jewels.

What is your workshop luxury?

Picking up a bottle of wine on the way home!

Your favourite studio lunch?

When I was based in Kemptown a slice of pizza from VIP was (and still is) unbeatable!

Best spot in the British Isles?

Sussex has so many beautiful spots, we’re quite spoiled for choice – Devil’s Dyke, Seven Sisters, Charleston House – I’d like to visit Bodiam Castle next.

What do you find challenging about being a creative?

The juggle! Trying to wear every hat, alongside working full-time and being a bad procrastinator can feel like running in circles so it’s great to catch up with other makers to give you that boost.

What would you like to learn next?

I have some new pieces on the way incorporating stones and solid gold, which feels like the next natural progression to elevate my collection, i’m learning new techniques along the way so I’m very excited to see how they progress.

How do you let your hair down?

Letting loose with the best of pals

What are you listening to at the moment?

NTS is great for being in the studio, they have the most extensive selection to suit whatever mood i’m in, from Cocteau Twins to Lee Hazlewood, you name it they’ve got it!

What makes you feel well chuffed?

Packaging up an order and quite literally tying a bow on it

What is your fave recipe?

I love Italian food, my go to at the moment is a mushroom ragu

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Rachel Whiteread, I love how she explores and manipulates objects in her work. Also the Pitt Rivers museum, it’s a mecca of history and curios, ranging from jewellery and tools to weapons and toys. The meticulously curated cabinets and hand written tags are so satisfying!

What is your fave item on The Chuffed Store?

At the Chuffed pop up last Christmas I got a Notch leather pouch and a pair of Furrow’s floret earrings, I have my eye on the beaded pochettes next..

Spring summer autumn or winter?

Autumn, always. It’s nostalgic, it’s cosy, it’s beautiful!

Question from the previous Meet the Maker: The most important q of them all… What you having for tea? 

And, lastly, one question you would like us to ask the next Meet the Maker….?

Which tool would you like to add to your workshop?